The Saints are expected to re-sign quarterback Teddy Bridgewater, according to Jane Slater of NFL.com (on Twitter). Bridgewater had a better offer from the Dolphins, Slater hears, but Bridgewater re-upped with New Orleans because he values the club’s locker room culture and the prospect of one day becoming the Saints’ starting QB.
While Slater says the Dolphins made a better offer, a source told Armando Salguero of The Miami Herald that the Dolphins “were not big players” for Bridgewater’s services (Twitter link).Bridgewater was widely considered to be the second-best quarterback available in free agency this year, behind Nick Foles.
The former first-round pick somehow managed to come back from a gruesome leg injury in 2016, return to full health, and reestablish himself as a promising talent. His last significant action came with the Vikings in 2015, his second NFL season, and he spent last season as Drew Brees‘ clipboard holder. Still, the Saints have been extremely impressed by Bridgewater’s maturity, leadership, and talent displayed on the practice field.
Bridgewater got the start for New Orleans in Week 17 last year with Brees resting for the playoffs. The results were mixed, but Bridgewater was playing without most of the starters on offense. Bridgewater signed with the Jets last offseason, and after New York drafted Sam Darnold, they decided to trade him. Bridgewater looked impressive during the preseason, and the Saints then traded for him.
They gave up a third round pick for him, so they clearly believe in his potential. Still only 26, the Saints have plenty of time to wait and develop him. With Bridgewater off the market, the free agent quarterback market is now very thin. Tyrod Taylor and Ryan Fitzpatrick are now the two biggest names available, and they may have to settle for backup roles somewhere. Taylor has been linked to Miami recently as well.
Wow who saw that coming
Now that I think about it, it’s kind of a smart move for Bridgewater. He’s comfortable there, there’s no pressure on him while Brees is still around. If he wasn’t getting offers for starting gigs then he can be a little patient and get one when Brees hangs them up.
There is only a couple guys on the same level as Brees to learn from, smart choice, once Brees retires he can take over the team.